Red Velvet Banana Pudding Recipe

I absolutely love this Red Velvet Banana Pudding Recipe because it brings together two classic favorites — rich red velvet cake and creamy banana pudding — into one show-stopping dessert. The creamy pudding layered with slices of tender, moist red velvet and fresh banana slices creates a harmony of textures and flavors that always impresses guests or makes any day feel special.

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how the tangy cream cheese pudding balances perfectly with the sweet bananas and that subtle chocolate hint in the cake. You’ll find this Red Velvet Banana Pudding Recipe is perfect for parties, potlucks, or simply indulging after dinner, and trust me — it’s so worth the little effort!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

All these ingredients come together beautifully to deliver that classic red velvet taste and creamy banana pudding texture. Most are pantry staples, while a few fresh ingredients like bananas and cream make it feel extra special—keep an eye out for good-quality cream cheese and pudding mix for the best results.

• Cake flour: Helps keep the red velvet cake light and tender versus using all-purpose flour.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor depth in the cake.
• Unsalted butter: Room temperature butter creams smoothly with the sugar for a perfect cake crumb.
• Granulated sugar: The main sweetener, giving the cake its characteristic sweetness.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients and add moisture, so make sure you use fresh eggs.
• Liquid red food coloring: Essential for that iconic red velvet color; don’t skimp here.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds a subtle chocolate flavor that makes red velvet cake extra special.
• Pure vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors in the pudding and cake.
• Buttermilk: Gives the cake a slight tang and ensures moistness and tenderness.
• Cider vinegar: Reacts with baking soda for a light, fluffy texture in the cake.
• Baking soda: The leavening agent that creates air pockets in the cake.
• Sweetened condensed milk: Makes the pudding luxuriously creamy and sweet.
• Ice-cold water: Helps dissolve the pudding mix without lumps.
• Instant vanilla pudding mix: The quick base for a smooth, firm pudding layer.
• Cream cheese: Softened to blend seamlessly for that classic tangy pudding taste.
• Heavy cream: Whipped to add lightness and fluffiness to the pudding.
• Ripe bananas: Sliced fresh to complement the pudding with natural sweetness and texture.
• Mini chocolate chips or chocolate shavings: Add pops of chocolate flavor and visual appeal.

Variations

I love how flexible this Red Velvet Banana Pudding Recipe is—you can tweak it to suit your taste or dietary needs without losing its magic. Over the years, I’ve tried adding a few spins to make it even more fun or suitable for special occasions.

• Dairy-Free Version: I’ve swapped heavy cream and cream cheese with coconut cream and vegan cream cheese, which still tastes amazing and keeps it creamy.
• Extra Chocolate: Sometimes, I mix in chocolate syrup or sprinkle cocoa powder between layers to give it a rich chocolate boost.
• Fruit Twists: Adding berries like strawberries or raspberries alongside the banana adds a refreshing tartness and color contrast.
• Mini Puddings: For parties, I’ve made individual portions in small glass jars—fun and perfect for grab-and-go dessert.

How to Make Red Velvet Banana Pudding Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Red Velvet Cake Batter and Bake

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F and buttering and flouring a 9×13-inch pan—that extra care prevents sticking and gives nice clean edges when cutting. Whisk the cake flour and salt in a bowl, then cream butter and sugar with your mixer until it’s light and fluffy—this took me a couple of tries to get the timing just right for maximum fluffiness!

Add eggs one at a time, scraping the bowl as you go to mix everything evenly. Then gently incorporate the red food coloring mixed with cocoa powder—this combo achieves that characteristic red velvet taste and color, so don’t rush this step. Alternating the dry ingredients and buttermilk keeps the batter airy, and the vinegar with baking soda ensures the perfect rise. Pour the batter into your pan and bake for about 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cake springs back to the touch and a tester comes out clean.

Step 2: Cool and Cut the Cake

Let your cake cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack to cool fully. Don’t skip this step—when the cake is warm, it can fall apart when you cut it for layering. Once cooled, cut into rectangles and then halves so you can layer nicely in your trifle or large bowl. This part feels so satisfying once you have those neat cake pieces ready for assembly!

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Pudding Layer

Using your mixer, beat together sweetened condensed milk and cold water, then add the instant pudding mix until smooth—no lumps here, or it’ll affect the texture! Refrigerate it until firm, at least one hour. After chilling, mix in the softened cream cheese to create the signature tangy, velvety pudding that pairs perfectly with the red velvet cake. Keep chilled until ready to fold into the whipped cream.

Step 4: Whip the Cream and Combine

Whip your heavy cream to stiff peaks, but be careful not to overwhip or it’ll turn grainy. Gradually fold in the chilled pudding mixture by adding it in spoonfuls while mixing on low speed; this keeps it fluffy and smooth, preventing streaks and ensuring luscious texture in every bite.

Step 5: Assemble Your Red Velvet Banana Pudding

Here’s the fun part! Spread a scoop of pudding on the bottom, layer cake pieces on top, then bananas and mini chocolate chips. Repeat those layers twice more, finishing with pudding on top sprinkled with crumbled cake and a final touch of chocolate chips. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight to let all the flavors marry beautifully. I’ve found that the pudding gets richer and the layers meld so well when you give it time to chill!

How to Serve Red Velvet Banana Pudding Recipe

Garnishes

When I serve this Red Velvet Banana Pudding Recipe, I like to keep it simple but elegant. A sprinkle of mini chocolate chips or chocolate shavings on top makes for a pretty presentation and adds that extra bit of chocolate goodness. Sometimes, I add a few thin banana slices on top or a dusting of cocoa powder to round things out visually and flavor-wise.

Side Dishes

This pudding is honestly a dessert all on its own, but if you want to offer more, light and fruity sides work wonderfully. I’ve paired it with fresh berry salads or a simple glass of sparkling water with lemon to balance out the sweetness. It shines bright after a hearty meal as a refreshing yet indulgent finale.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve layered this pudding into clear individual trifle cups or mason jars — guests love seeing the beautiful layers, and it makes serving a breeze. Another idea I’ve tried is using white chocolate curls instead of chips for a delicate look, or topping with edible flowers for a stunning touch at parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers tightly covered in the fridge—this pudding actually tastes better the next day once everything has had time to meld. I recommend eating leftovers within 3 days for the best texture and flavor, as the bananas may start to brown over time.

Freezing

If you need to freeze it, I suggest freezing individual portions before adding the banana slices (which don’t freeze well). Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then add fresh bananas before serving for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

This dessert is best served chilled, so reheating isn’t usually necessary. If you want a slightly warmer experience, let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes rather than microwaving, which can affect the pudding’s texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Red Velvet Banana Pudding Recipe feels like a little celebration every time I make it, combining nostalgia with something fresh and exciting. Whether you’re making it for family, friends, or just treating yourself, I know you’ll enjoy how the rich layers and creamy pudding come together so perfectly. Give it a try—you might just find this becoming your go-to dessert for every special occasion or cozy night in!

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